ODM postpones Kisumu grassroots elections amid growing rebellion
The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has postponed its planned grassroots delegates’ elections in Kisumu County amid growing internal rebellion and emergence of splinter factions.
In a letter dated March 6, 2026, ODM Party Leader Oburu Oginga directed the party’s National Elections Coordination Committee to cancel the elections that had been scheduled to take place yesterday.
Oburu said the decision was informed by intelligence reports indicating that the political atmosphere on the ground had become highly polarised.
“Following the prevailing polarised environment informed by intelligence, I have made a decision to inform you to cancel the elections slated for tomorrow, Friday,” the letter stated in part. He instructed the committee to comply with the directive and inform all affected parties about the postponement.
The elections were meant to select ODM party delegates in Kisumu County as part of the party’s ongoing process of strengthening its grassroots leadership structures and preparing for future political activities.
The elections committee has not yet announced a new date for the exercise.
The postponement comes at a time when ODM is undertaking major internal reorganisation. On March 3, the party’s Parliamentary Group endorsed several key decisions, including the installation of Oburu Oginga as party leader following the death of former leader Raila Odinga.
During the meeting, ODM legislators also backed a working arrangement between ODM and the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
The Parliamentary Group further supported plans for structured negotiations aimed at forming a coalition between the two parties ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The MPs also endorsed initiatives seeking compensation for victims of past election-related human rights abuses.
